SETTINGTime & Place - 1895, LondonFirst Act - Algernon Moncrieff’s London flat, in Half-Moon Street W.Second & Third Act - The garden at John Worthing’s country home, Manor House, Woolton, Hartfordshire

DRAMATIS PERSONAEAlgernon Moncrieff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avery Clark*Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kraig KelseyJohn “Jack” Worthing, J.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Michael Wamser*Lady Bracknell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Nolen*Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mindy Anders*Miss Prism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin OlsonCecily Cardew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deanna Gibson*Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Flick*Merriman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rudy Roushdi

PRODUCTION TEAMDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim HelsingerScenic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bert Scott**Lighting Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Upton**Costume Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack A. SmithSound Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Britt SanduskyDialect Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marlene JohnsonStage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacy Renee Norwood*Production Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isis Blanco, Blu Fogarty, Adrienne Forsythe, Lauraleigh ShealeyLight Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rachel LasloSound Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan deRouletWardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlene DeScaloAdditional Costume Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elise Holt, Corey Schreck, Jack A. Smith

UNDERSTUDIES

SUPPORT

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association** Member of United Scenic Artists

John Worthing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad FrostAlgernon Moncrieff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael ShenefeltRev. Canon Chasuble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rudy RoushdiMerriman / Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan CzerwonkoLady Bracknell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kraig KelseyGwendolen Fairfax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan PickrellCecily Cardew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan PickrellMiss Prism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda LeakeyActors’ Equity Association (AEA) was founded in 1913 as the first of the American actor unions. Equity’s mission is to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Today, Equity represents more than 40,000 actors, singers, dancers and stage managers working in hundreds of theatres as a profession, upholding the highest artistic standards. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions and provides a wide range of benefits including health and pension plans for its members. Through its agreement with Equity, this theatre has committed to the fair treatment of the actors and stage managers employed for this production. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. For more information, visit www.actorsequity.org.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is a non-profit professional theater company sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Divison of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.

SYNOPSISThe play revolves around country gentleman John “Jack” Worthing and carefree London dandy Algernon Moncrieff. Jack invents a fictitious – and troublesome – brother Ernest, who frequently seems to require Jack’s attention in London. While he is in town, Jack himself assumes the name Ernest to meet and woo Gwendolen, Algernon’s cousin. Unfortunately, Gwendolen’s mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell, disapproves of Ernest because of his unknown parentage. Similarly, Algernon devises an infirm friend named Bunbury, whose needs allow Algernon to make frequent jaunts to the country.

When the two men compare notes on their clandestine adventures – their “bunburying,” as Algernon calls it – Algernon learns of Jack’s ward Cecily Cardew and is determined to meet her. Claiming to be Jack’s wayward brother Ernest, Algernon visits Jack’s country home, where he and Cecily meet and fall in love. The plot thickens when Gwendolen, who has left London in pursuit of her Ernest, discovers that Cecily and Ernest have just become engaged. Through clever manipulations, mild treacheries, and furious diary comparisons, the women uncover the truth about their supposedly Earnest men and break off the engagements – only to make up shortly thereafter.

On the brink of a happy ending, Lady Bracknell barges in, shattering the young lovers’ plans of marital arrangements. Although she approves of Algernon’s match when she learns of Cecily’s wealth, she staunchly prohibits Jack’s suit. Will the final turn of events conclude with the conjugal bliss of both young couples?

ACTOR BIOSMINDY ANDERS*(Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax | Sixth Season)Mindy is excited to be back at Orlando Shakes. Past credits include TWELFTH NIGHT, PRIVATE LIVES, TRAPEZIUM, CYRANO DE BERGERAC, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, COMEDY OF ERRORS, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and TARTUFFE. Mindy has also worked locally with Mad Cow Theatre, Trilemma Productions and UCF Theatre. Thanks to Shep, Madelyn, Sophie, John William and Mom & Dad for all your love and support.

AVERY CLARK*(Algernon Moncrieff | Third Season)Avery is thrilled to return to Orlando Shakes after performing in CHARM, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL and playing the title role in HAMLET. Select New York credits include ARCADIA and the original cast of CORONADO (Invisible City), THE PILLOWMAN (APAC), ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD (MCT) and THE SCARECROW (Metropolitan Playhouse). Regional credits include ROMEO & JULIET, CYMBELINE, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), RABBIT HOLE and THE 39 STEPS (Theatresquared), JOURNEY’S END (Alley Theatre), THE HEIDI CHRONICLES (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), HAMLET and THE 39 STEPS (Arkansas Repertory Theatre). As always, a special thanks to Jim Helsinger. www.averyclark.com

PATRICK FLICK*(Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. | 10th Season)At Orlando Shakes, Patrick performed in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. He directed CHARM, KISS ME, KATE, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, A TUNA CHRISTMAS, INTO THE WOODS, TWELFTH NIGHT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, PRIVATE LIVES and many readings and workshops for PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays. Regionally, he has worked as a director and/or performer at Miami’s New Theatre, Mad Cow Theatre, TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, San Jose Stage, American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Sacramento Theatre Company, Marin and Wisconsin Shakespeare Festivals, Phoenix Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Riverside Shakespeare and the Independent Theatre in New York. A four-time Emmy Award winner, Patrick is Director of New Play Development and Casting at Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

DEANNA GIBSON*(Cecily Cardew | Second Season)Deanna is delighted to return to Orlando Shakes after having played the female lead in last season's THE 39 STEPS. Off-Broadway: Pan Asian Repertory, Mirror Repertory. Other NYC credits: Milk Can Theatre Company, Love/Street Theatre, Wooden O Theatre, Project: Theatre and New York International Fringe Festival. She’s performed regionally at the: Asolo Repertory, Bay Street Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Riverside Theatre, Florida Repertory and Actor's Playhouse in Miami. She received an MFA in Acting from FSU/Asolo Conserva-tory. Thanks to Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakes, and her husband, Ken! www.deannagibson.com

KRAIG KELSEY(Lane | Debut Season)Kraig previously read for ANNO MENANDER in last April’s PlayFest. This summer, he performed in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, HAMLET, ERNEST IN LOVE, and AESOP’S FABLES at the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Kraig holds a BFA from the University of Central Florida, where he performed roles such as Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT and Trissotin in THE LERNED LADIES (Invited Production at KCACTF – Region IV).

PHILIP NOLEN*(Lady Bracknell | Seventh Season)Philip Nolen is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, the professional union for actors and stage managers in the United States. At Orlando Shakes, he was last seen in CHAPS! A JINGLE JANGLE CHRISTMAS. Other shows for OST include: A TUNA CHRISTMAS, ART, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, THE TRIAL OF EBENEZER SCROOGE (World Premiere), EVERY CHRIST-MAS STORY EVER TOLD!, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Regional Premiere), THE IMAGINARY INVALID, TARTUFFE, THE COMPLETE

HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED), THE COMPLEAT WORKS OF WLLM SHKSPR (ABRIDGED), HENRY IV PART ONE, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'SDREAM. Mr. Nolen also appeared in concert stagings of MY FAIR LADY and GUYS AND DOLLS with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as playing "Antonio Salieri" in Mad Cow Theater's production of AMADEUS. Look for him as "Max Prince" in Mad Cow's staged reading of Neil Simon's LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, a fundraiser to benefit Mad Cow Theater.

ROBIN OLSON(Miss Prism | Second Season)Robin was seen last season in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and THE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD SHOW. In addition to performing, she served as associate director for HAMLET and her script of TALE OF TWO CITIES, inaugurated the PlayFest Reading Series. She’s also performed in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and HOLES, directed WINNIE THE POOH and had her script, A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT PRESENTS, produced at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. She’s performed at Mad Cow Theatre in MAJOR BARBARA, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, THE SEAGULL, and BUS STOP, served as Education Director, and co-directed GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. With RS&C Productions she’s performed and directed for her uniquely environmental DICKENS BY CANDLELIGHT.

RUDY ROUSHDI(Merriman | Debut Season)Rudy comes from Atlanta, GA, where he received his BA in theatre from Brenau University. Atlanta Credits include: Valentine Coverly in ARCADIA (Theatre Arts Guild), Friar Tuck in ROBIN HOOD (WonderQuest) and Peter Quince in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Gainesville Theatre Alliance). He would like to thank his friends and family for their support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew for their incredible work. Enjoy the show!

SHANNON MICHAEL WAMSER*(John “Jack” Worthing, J.P. | Debut Season)Recent theatrical credits include Jimmy in THE RAINMAKER (Northern Stage Company) and Laertes in HAMLET (Arkansas Rep). He has also appeared with Public Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Tectonic Theatre Project, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Maine’s Public Theatre, Monomoy Theatre, Saratoga Shakespeare Festival, Vermont Shakespeare Company, Rebel Theatre Company, Actor's Company Theatre, among others. He holds a BA from DeSales University and an MFA from Ohio University and is a proud member of AEA.

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOSJIM HELSINGER(Director | 21st Season)Jim directed the Orlando Shakespeare Theater productions of THE 39 STEPS, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD, THE IMAGINARY INVALID, TARTUFFE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, RICHARD III, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, THE COMPLEAT WORKS OF WLLM SHKSPR (ABRIDGED), HAMLET and more. Other directing credits include The Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Florida Studio Theatre, Cape May Stage, Florida Repertory Theatre, and Actor’s Playhouse. As an actor at Orlando Shakes, he appeared in WITTENBERG as Dr. Faustus as well as the titles roles of HENRY V, CYRANO DE BERGERAC, THE THREE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE, DRACULA and HAMLET. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, National Theatre Conference, National New Play Network, and is the past president of The Shakespeare Theatre Association.

MARLENE JOHNSON(Dialect Coach | Second Season)Marlene Johnson directs and acts for City Equity Theatre. She has vocal coached more than 40 shows, has taught at the University of Westminster, London, and toured shows in the Czech Republic. She worked for Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the Alliance Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Theatre Virginia. Awards include Direction and Vocal Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival – the latter award for IN THE BLOOD, was invited to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Training includes Patsy Rodenburg, A.R.T., Shakespeare and Company and Terry Schreiber Studio. Marlene has served on the boards of VASTA and SETC. She teaches acting and voice at University of Alabama Birmingham.

STACY RENEE NORWOOD*(Stage Manager | Fifth Season)Stacy graduated in May 2006 from Rollins College. She went on to professionally stage manage multiple seasons at the Depot Theatre and Orlando Shakes and, most recently, Pennsylvania Shakes last summer. Some of her previous stage management credits include: OSCAR AND FELIX, HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY, PIPPIN, BIG BANG, CHAPS! A JINGLE JANGLE CHRISTMAS, HAMLET, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, as well as A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in repertory. Stacy is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She sends love to Mom, Dad & Mike.

DAVE UPTON**(Lighting Designer | Second Season)Dave is happy to return to Orlando Shakes to design THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, where he previously designed for TWELFTH NIGHT. Other designs include work for THE REVENGE OF THE MUMMY attraction at Universal Studios Singapore, Florida Studio Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Rep, North Carolina Theatre, Northern Stage, Merrimack Rep, Seaside Music Theater, Florida Rep, Orlando Opera and Orlando Ballet, among others. David is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.

BRITT SANDUSKY(Sound Designer | Seventh Season)Britt is thrilled to be part of this production team once again. His formal training was at the Audio Recording Technology Institute here in Orlando. Britt has designed the sound-scapes for many Orlando Shakespeare Theater favorites, including THE 39 STEPS, SHOTGUN, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, ROBINSON CRUSOE and many others. He also mixed live music for what is affectionately known as the “Beer Tent” on the “Green Lawn of Fabulousness” during the Orlando Fringe Festival last year. His film credits include many disciplines including Foley artist, re-recording engineer, ADR supervisor, dialog mixer and sound effects supervisor.

BERT SCOTT**(Scenic Designer | Seventh Season)Bert has designed scenery for many Orlando Shakes productions, including CHAPS! A JINGLE JANGLE CHRISTMAS, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, A TUNA CHRISTMAS, TWELFTH NIGHT and INTO THE WOODS. Off Broadway, he has designed: THE RULES OF CHARITY, WHEN I’M 64, OEDIPUS, HAMLET, MIDSUMMER, WAIT UNTIL DARK, TEN LITTLE INDIANS and BRECHT ON BRECHT. Regionally, he has worked for Theatre West Virginia, Stages St. Louis, The Mark Twain Playhouse, Opera Co. of Philadelphia, NC Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Rep, Nickelodeon/Paramount Parks. Bert is the coordinator of the BFA Design and Technology and Stage Management programs at UCF. BS: Virginia Tech; MFA UNC Greensboro.

JACK A. SMITH(Costume Designer | Eighth Season)Jack is an Associate Professor at Elon University, a private university in Elon, NC. He has worked for a number years as a freelance Costume Designer and worked at many regional theaters from Orlando Shakes to Actors Theater of Louisville. Jack spends many of his summers either working at a small theater in Missouri (City of Maples Rep) or traveling the world looking at textiles, antique garments or cultural wonders. He recently had a gallery exhibit of half-scale period costumes produced at two separate galleries within the past year. His passions include antique textiles (specifically American Women’s Costume from the 19th Century) and his dogs!

SPECIAL THANKSElon UniversityMatthew Michaels SalonShakespeare’s Swingin’ Sewin’ Sisters Society